Yahoo Lifestyle Julia Schlaepfer's Gut-Wrenching Scene Left '1923' Fans Speechless
1923 Season 2, episode 3, dropped on Sunday, March 9, and fans can’t contain their reactions over Julia Schlaepfer’s awe-inspiring performance as Alex navigates her way back to Spencer by way of Ellis Island.
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
Throughout the episode—aptly titled “Wrap Thee in Terror”—Alex realizes she doesn’t have the proper paperwork for expedited entry into the U.S., and has to gain entry via Ellis Island. While following instructions and waiting her turn to be seen, she finds out that pregnant women aren’t typically admitted into the country. As such, when her name is called, it’s evident that she hopes to conceal her pregnancy, but it’s a hope that’s soon extinguished when she’s told she must strip down and be inspected externally and internally by not one but three men, after which, she may be granted entry, but only after also proving her competence and ability to pursue the American dream during a final sit-down. ICYMI: Throughout the entire procedure, despite how degrading it was, Alex maintained her composure.
“This scene truly captivated me with Alexandra’s power and charisma. Her voice and expression were filled with anger, strength, and dignity. I kept thinking she might change her mind at any moment, but with her wisdom and confidence, she proved that she could step into a new world and protect her dignity—even without her husband,” one fan commented. “Award winning scene in my opinion,” another fan exclaimed. “She is truly a brilliant actress. Her amazing choices; her incredible performance just oozes out through her expressions, voice and timing… through her entire being. She is quite marvelous and mesmerizing to watch,” someone else chimed in. “Now I know where Beth got her savvy,” another Instagram user wrote.
While fans loved Alex’s entire demeanor throughout the episode, let alone this specific scene, many were especially drawn to how she demonstrated her marketable skills. “I love when she reads Whitman,” one fan commented, referencing her proven knack for reading. “And knew exactly which poem to read from,” another fan responded.
Of course, that wasn’t the only scene in which Alex captivated viewers. Many fans were moved by her performance during the physical scenes. “She is brilliant!! I cried along with her during the scenes!!! The abuse! Her pain was palpable!! Give her all the awards,” one fan applauded in the comments section.
Meanwhile, other viewers were merely awe-struck by Taylor Sheridan’s accurate portrayal of what it was like coming to America in the early 1900s. “Ellis Island, 1920s, how immigrants coming to America without the correct paperwork on arrival were treated. Inhumane, like cattle. This episode was powerful AF to show the immigrant experience coming to America. Thank you Taylor Sheridan for your amazing work,” someone commented.
The only problem is, Episode 3 ended on a cliffhanger, with Alex getting followed into a public restroom by what looks to be a nefarious pickpocketer. Here’s hoping she can come out of that unscathed, so she can be back in Spencer’s arms within a week’s time, as her letter suggested.
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